Why Manage Urban Pest Bird Problems?
Because pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows all live in close association with humans, they can transmit diseases to humans; they are also host to parasites and insect pests that will readily bite humans. Their nesting and roosting activities can create fire hazards. Not only can their droppings deface property, they can also become a potential health hazard. Blackbird or starling roosts are a frequent and common problem in Kentucky towns and cities because of noise, filth, odor, and health-related concerns. Starlings and house sparrows also compete for nesting sites with native bird species, including the Eastern bluebird, flickers, woodpeckers, and purple martins. Pigeons may carry a variety of disease organisms, including toxoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella typhimurium, and numerous others. These diseases can be transmitted to humans and may be serious if not diagnosed properly. Salmonella is statistically the most common cause of salmonella food poisoning in humans; it is fo
